Macaroni distributor shaker

ABSTRACT

A macaroni distributor shaker is disclosed in which short cut macaroni, noodles or other alimentary paste particles in partially dried form are received within a hopper of partial cone shape at the top of the shaker and thereafter advanced along the length of an elongated chute extending from one side of the hopper to a lower open end of the chute for distribution over a moving drying screen therebelow. The macaroni particles are uniformly and evenly distributed on the drying screen by vibratory motion of the chute in the direction of elongation thereof combined with reciprocating rotational movement of the chute and included hopper about a generally vertical axis at a slower rate such that the lower open end of the chute reciprocates laterally between the opposite edges of the drying screen. The vibratory and lateral motions are generated from a single drive motor coupled to drive a rotatable shaft including an eccentric bearing and a gear reduction mechanism. The vibratory motion results from a connecting rod coupled between the eccentric bearing and the chute which is mounted to a base frame for longitudinal movement relative thereto by a plurality of elongated elements pivotably mounted to the base frame and to the chute. Reciprocating rotational motion of the chute is provided by a rotary cranking mechanism which is rotatably mounted on the base frame and coupled to a rotating arm on the gear reduction mechanism and to a support frame on which the base frame is pivotably mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis.

United States Patent [191 Tolles [451 Nov. 20, 1973 MACARONI DISTRIBUTORSHAKER Wilbert E. Tolles, Minneapolis, Minn.

[73] Assignee: The Creamette Company,

Minneapolis, Minn.

[22] Filed: Aug. 17, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 172,467

[75] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Evon C. Blunk Assistant ExaminerDouglas D. WattsAtt0rneyFraser & Bogucki [57] ABSTRACT A macaroni distributor shaker isdisclosed in which short cut macaroni, noodles or other alimentary pasteparticles in partially dried form are received within a hopper ofpartial cone shape at the top of the shaker and thereafter advancedalong the length of an elongated chute extending from one side of thehopper to a lower open end of the chute for distribution over a movingdrying screen therebelow. The macaroni particles are uniformly andevenly distributed on the drying screen by vibratory motion of the chutein the direction of elongation thereof combined with reciprocatingrotational movement of the chute and included hopper about a generallyvertical axis at a slower rate such that the lower open end of the chutereciprocates laterally between the opposite edges of the drying screen.The vibratory and lateral motions are generated from a single drivemotor coupled to drive a rotatable shaft including an eccentric bearingand a gear reduction mechanism. The vibratory motion results from aconnecting rod coupled between the eccentric bearing and the chute whichis mounted to a base frame for longitudinal movement relative thereto bya plurality of elongated elements pivotably mounted to the base frameand to the chute. Reciprocating rotational motion of the chute isprovided by a rotary cranking mechanism which is rotatably mounted onthe base frame and coupled to a rotating arm on the gear reductionmechanism and to a support frame on which the base frame is pivotablymounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis.

8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures United States Patent 91 [111 3,773,165

Tolles 1 Nov. 20, 1973 VUENYEU NOV 20 I975 sum 1 0? 2 FIG.-E

MACARONI DISTRIBUTOR SHAKER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention This invention relates to machinery which undergoes vibratoryor similar motion so as to uniformly dispense small particles therefrom,and more particularly to vibrating shakers or spreaders used to evenlydistribute small food particles such as short cut macaroni in partiallydried form onto a drying screen or other conveyor type device undergoingmotion relative thereto.

2. History of the Prior Art In the manufacture of short cut macaroni,noodles and other alimentary pastes, it is necessary that the smallparticles as prepared in a partially dried form be distributed onto amoving belt-like device in the form of a drying screen for furtherdrying and curing. Air is forced under pressure up through the dryingscreen to dry the particles as they are carried by the moving dryingscreen to a further stage in an automated manufac turing and packagingprocess.

It is important that the alimentary paste particles be spread over thedrying screen as evenly and uniformly as possible so as to effectcomplete drying and curing while at the same time making the bestpossible use of the surface area of the drying screen and preventing theformation of unmerchandisable agglomerates or adhered masses.

To facilitate more uniform distribution of the macaroni particles ontothe drying screen, distributor shakers have been employed which receivethe macaroni particles in their partially dried form and whichthereafter dispense the particles onto the moving drying screen usingvibratory or other types of motion which tend to spread the particlesapart and provide a fairly uniform flow thereof onto the drying screen.However, presently known distributor shakers tend to be relativelyexpensive and complex pieces of machinery which incorporate a greatvariety of different moving parts and associated power sources to impartthe various types of desired motion for distribution of the macaroniparticles. At that, most such shakers do not distribute the macaroniparticles with a desired degree of uniformity. In addition, the constantvibratory motion of the distributor shaker tends to lead to mechanicalfailures or the need for part replacement or repair, as the amplitudeand rate of vibration needed for movement of the particles place severedemands on the equipment. Thus, the distributor shaker cannot simply becheapened in design or construction to affect a lowering of costs.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved distributor shaker for alimentary paste particles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a distributorshaker which is inexpensive to construct and yet is sufficiently sturdyand durable so as to withstand substantially continuous use over longperiods without repeated failures or general deterioration.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide adistributor shaker which is capable of spreading a thin coating ofmacaroni particles over a drying screen with a high degree ofuniformity.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide adistributor shaker which is capable of undergoing both vibratory motionand reciprocating lateral motion utilizing a single source of power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Distributor shakers in accordancewith the invention introduce macaroni or other alimentary pasteparticles into an elongated chute which slopes gradually in thedirection of the moving drying screen and which undergoes both vibratorymotion in the direction of elongation thereof and reciprocating lateralmotion such that the lower open end thereof repeatedly traverses thewidth of the drying screen. The chute is coupled to a base frame by aplurality of pivotably mounted elongated elements, and the base frame isin turn pivotably mounted on a support frame about a generally verticalaxis. A single source of rotational power in the form of a motor mountedon the base frame is coupled by a belt and pulley system to rotate ashaft which includes an eccentric bearing and a gear reductionmechanism. A connecting rod couples the eccentric bearing to the chuteto provide longitudinal vibratory motion of the chute about thepivotably mounted elongated elements in response to rotation of theshaft and associated eccentric bearing, thereby advancing the alimentarypaste particles along the length of the chute to the lower open end.Reciprocating lateral motion of the chute so as to repeatedly pass thelower open end thereof across the width of the drying screen is providedby a cranking mechanism rotatably mounted on the base frame and coupledto a rotating lever arm on the gear reduction mechanism and to thesupport frame. As the lever arm rotates about the gear reductionmechanism in response to rotation of the shaft, the cranking mechanismpivots about its mount on the base frame and responds to the rotarymotion of the lever arm to reciprocate the base frame and included chuteabout the vertical axis at which the base frame is mounted to thesupport frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Objects and advantages other thanthose indicated above will be apparent from the following description,when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred arrangement of a macaronidistributor shaker in accordance with the invention illustrating theoperation of the shaker in conjunction with a moving drying screen;

FIG. 2 is a left-side elevation of the distributor shaker of FIG. 1;and,

FIG. 3 is a right-rear perspective view of the distributor shaker ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As seen in FIG. 1, a distributor shaker 10 inaccordance with the invention includes a support frame 12 having a pairof spaced apart, generally vertical upright members 14 with lower endsadapted to be mounted on the ground or floor below and disposed at theopposite ends of and mounting therebetween a generally horizontalcrossbar member 16. An elongated base frame 18 for the shaker 10 whichis comprised of opposite side rails held together by a plurality ofinterconnecting members is generally horizontally disposed and ismounted on the crossbar member 16 at a first end 19 thereof for rotationabout a generally vertical axis. The journal and bearings for rotationalsupport of the base frame 18 are not shown in detail but areconventional elements. As discussed hereafter such rotational motionprovides for a reciprocating lateral movement of the base frame 18 andincluded elements within a generally horizontal plane about the verticalaxis as illustrated by the arrow 20.

Disposed below the base frame 18 and the crossbar member 16 and movablein a generally horizontal plane in a direction shown by the arrow 22 isa flat, elongated, belt-like drying screen 24. The drying screen 24 isof generally mesh construction or otherwise includes openings therein topermit the passage of air therethrough from blowers 26 located beneaththe screen 24.

Short cut macaroni, noodles or other alimentary paste particles 27 inpartially dried form fall down a slide 28 and into a hopper 30 ofpartial cone shape disposed immediately above the vertical axis ofrotation of the base frame 18 and having a generally elongated chute 32extending from one side thereof. The chute 32 has an axis or directionof elongation generally parallel to the direction of elongation of thebase frame 18 and is mounted such that the bottom 34 thereof extendingbetween opposite sides 36 slopes gradually downwardly from the hopper 30to a lower open end 38 disposed immediately above the drying screen 24and adjacent a second end 39* of the base frame 18 opposite the firstend 19 thereof. The chute 32 is pivotably mounted to the base frame 18for reciprocating longitudinal movement along the length thereof andrelative to the base frame 18 by three separate pairs of generallyparallel support bars or elongated elements 40, each of which ispivotably mounted to the underside of the chute 32 and to the base frame18. Each pair of the elongated elements 40 is disposed adjacent theopposite sides of the base frame 18 at a different location along thelength of the frame 18. As seen in FIG. 1, the elongated elements 40 arecapable of undergoing rotary motion relative to the base frame 18 in thedirections shown by the arrows 42 to permit the reciprocating or backand forth movement of the chute 32 along its axis of elongation asrepresented by the arrow 44.

As described in greater detail hereafter, the chute 32 undergoes thevibratory motion along the axis 44 simultaneously with the reciprocatinglateral motion depicted by the arrow to distribute the macaroniparticles evenly and uniformly on the drying screen 24 as the screen 24continues its linear movement under the chute 32 in the direction of thearrow 22. The reciprocating longitudinal movement or vibration of thechute 32 along its axis of elongation provides a generally constant andeven flow of the macaroni particles down the length of the chute and outof the lower open end 38 thereof. At the same time the continuouslyreciprocating rotational motion of the base frame 18 is such as tolaterally sweep the lower open end 38 of the chute 32 across the widthof the drying screen 24 from one side to the other and back again.

A single source of rotational power comprising a drive motor 46 mountedon the base frame 18 adjacent the first end 19 thereof with its axis ofrotation normal to the direction of elongation of the frame 18 providesboth the vibratory motion and the lateral motion of the shaker 10. Themotor 46 includes a rotatable drive pulley 48 coupled via a belt 50 to adriven pulley 52 mounted on the end of a rotatable shaft 54. The shaft54 is rotatably mounted on the base frame along a generally horizontalaxis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the frame 18 andthe chute 32. The shaft 54 includes an eccentric bearing 56 which iscoupled via a connecting rod 58 to the chute 32. As the shaft 54 rotatesin response to operation of the motor 46, the eccentric bearing 56 whichpivotably mounts one end of the connecting rod 58 carries the end of therod through an eccentric movement about the axis of rotation of theshaft 54. The connecting rod 58, the other end of which is pivotablycoupled to the chute 32, undergoes a reciprocating motion as generallyshown by the arrow 60 in H6. 2. This results in the reciprocatinglongitudinal movement or linear motion of the chute 32 along the lengththereof and relative to the base frame 18. The eccentric bearing 56 ismounted on the shaft 54 between opposite bearing blocks 62 whichrotatably mount the shaft 54 to the opposite side rails of the baseframe 18, as seen in FIG. 3.

At the same time as the rotating shaft 54 is imparting vibratory motionto the chute 32 via the eccentric bearing 56 and associated connectingrod 58, the rotating shaft 54 is also providing the reciprocatinglateral motion of the shaker 10 via a gear reduction mechanism 64 andassociated rotary cranking mechanism 66 which are mounted on the baseframe 18 adjacent the first end 19 thereof. The gear reduction mechanism64 is coupled to the shaft 54 and responds to rotation of the shaft 54to rotate an included shaft 67 at a reduced speed. The shaft 67 ismounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis which is parallelto the axis of rotation of the base frame 18 and has a lever arm 68fixedly mounted at the top end thereof for movement through a generallyhorizontal path of circular movement in response to rotation of theshaft 67 as shown by the arrows 70. The rotary cranking mechanism 66links the lever arm 68 with the crossbar member 16 to provide thereciprocating rotational motion of the base frame 18.

The rotary cranking mechanism 66 includes a connecting rod 72 having oneend thereof pivotably mounted at the outer extremity of the lever arm 68so as to be driven through the circular path of movement of the leverarm 68. The other end of the connecting rod 72 is pivotably coupled tothe upper one of a pair of lever arms 74 and 76 of a pivotal mountassembly 78 within the rotary cranking mechanism 66. The assembly 78includes a shaft 80 disposed by mounting structure 82 on the base frame18 for rotation about a generally vertical axis which is fixed withrespect to the elongated chute 18. The lever arms 74 and 76 are fixedlymounted to the opposite top and bottom ends of the shaft 80 respectivelyfor rotation therewith in generally horizontal planes as shown by arrows84 and 86, re spectively. The outer end of the lever arm 74 which ispivotably coupled to the connecting rod 72 directs that end of the rod72 through a circular arc of movement relative to the axis of rotationof the shaft 80. A second connecting rod 88 has a first end thereofpivotably mounted at a point on the crossbar member 16 which defines afixed reference point external to the shaker and has its opposite endpivotably coupled to the lower lever arm 76 whereby it is directedthrough a circular arc of movement relative to the axis of rotation ofthe shaft 80.

Each complete revolution of the lever arm 68 at the top of the gearreduction mechanism 64 results in the lever arm 74 transcribing an arcof rotary movement and then returning to the starting point of that are.The lever arm 76 which is fixed in angular position relative to the arm74 by the shaft 80 undergoes a similar motion in which it transcribes anarc and then returns through the arc to the initial position. As thelever arm 76 undergoes this motion, the connecting rod 88 forces thebase frame 18 and included chute 32 to rotate about the generallyvertical axis of mounting to the crossbar member 16 as shown by thearrows 92 and 94 in FIG. 3. It will be seen that each time the lever arm68 on top of the gear reduction mechanism 64 undergoes a revolution, therotary cranking mechanism 66 responds to drive the base frame 18 andincluded chute 32 laterally through an arc of motion and then backthrough the arc to the starting point. in this manner, the chute 32 iscaused to undergo the reciprocating lateral motion enabling the loweropen end 38 thereof to traverse the width of the drying screen 24 fromone opposite edge to the other and back again in continuous fashion.

Distributor shakers in accordance with the invention can be dimensionedappropriately and fabricated of any appropriate materials depending uponthe applica tion thereof. In one particular shaker constructed andsuccessfully tested in accordance with the invention, the support frame12 is made from 4 inch channel iron and measures approximately 3 feetbetween upright members 14. The hopper 30 which is 18 inches in diameterat its top, 8 inches in diameter at its bottom and is 8 inches high isfabricated of 14 gauge stainless steel and has a chute 32 extending fromone side thereof a distance of 4 feet 9 inches from the central axis ofthe hopper. The chute 32 is made of 18 gauge stainless steel and has auniform width of 8 inches between the opposite sides 36. The motor 46which is one-half h.p. includes a 4 inch drive pulley 48 and a belt fordriving an 8 inch driven pulley 52. The eccentric bearing 56 comprises aFafner Model No. 5261 eccentric bearing. The gear reduction mechanism 64comprises an Ohio Gear Drive, Catalog No. P10, Assembly E, Ratio 100 tol. The remaining hardware is machined or otherwise fabricated ofappropriate metal stock with most of the flat elements of the base frame18 and adjoining structure being machined from one-fourth inch steelplate.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that distributorshakers in accordance with the invention are of relatively inexpensiveand yet sturdy construction and provide for the uniform distribution ofshort cut macaroni, noodles and other alimentary paste particles on adrying screen or other movable member. Continuous long term operation ofthe unit without breakdown is achieved by virtue of the fact that thevibratory motion is imparted only to passive and rugged elements of thesystem.

Although there has been described hereinabove a specific arrangement ofa macaroni distributor shaker in accordance with the invention for thepurpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used toadvantage, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limitedthereto and that various changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. For use in a processing arrangement in which partially driedalimentary paste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, adistributor shaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary pasteparticles and depositing the particles on the movable conveyor in athin, uniform layer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receivepartially dried alimentary paste particles, the elongated chute meanssloping gradually downwardly along the length thereof to the open end,being mounted to permit longitudinal movement along the length thereof,and being pivotably mounted about a generally vertical axis adjacent theend thereof opposite the open end to permit reciprocating lateralmovement thereof relative to a movable conveyor, a source of rotationalpower, means coupled between the elongated chute means and the powersource for driving the elongated chute means through a reciprocatinglongitudinal movement along the length thereof so as to advancealimentary paste particles thereon toward an open end thereof, and meanscoupled between the elongated chute means and the source of rotationalpower for driving the elongated chute means through a reciprocatinglateral movement relative to the movable conveyor to distributealimentary paste particles exiting from the open end of the elongatedchute means over the width of the movable conveyor, said means fordriving the elongated chute means through a reciprocating lateralmovement including first connecting rod means, means coupled to one endof the first connecting rod means and responsive to the source ofrotational power for driving the one end of the first connecting rodmeans through a circular path of movement, means coupled to the otherend of the first connecting rod means for directing the other endthrough a circular arc of movement relative to a fixed axis with respectto the elongated chute means, second connecting rod means having one endthereof mounted at a fixed reference point outside of the distributorshaker, and means associated with the means for directing and coupled tothe other end of the second connecting rod means for directing the otherend of the second connecting rod means through a circular arc ofmovement relative to the fixed axis in response to movement of the otherend of the first connecting rod means.

2. A device for dispensing small food particles therefrom in generallycontinuous, uniform fashion, comprising:

support frame means;

base frame means pivotably mounted on the support frame means forrotational movement relative thereto;

elongated chute means for receiving small food particles to be dispensedtherefrom;

means pivotably mounting the elongated chute means to the base framemeans to permit reciprocating, generally linear motion of the chutemeans relative to the base frame means;

shaft means rotatably mounted on the base frame means;

means coupled to drive the shaft means;

eccentric means associated with the shaft means and coupled to the chutemeans for imparting a reciprocating, generally linear motion to thechute means relative to the base frame means in response to rotation ofthe shaft means; and

means coupled between the shaft means and the support frame means forimparting a reciprocating, rotational motion to the base frame meansthrough an arc relative to the support frame means in response torotation of the shaft means, said means including first lever arm meansassociated with the shaft means for undergoing rotation about an axisgenerally parallel to the axis of rotation of the base frame means inresponse to rotation of the shaft means, second shaft means mounted onthe base frame means for rotation about an axis generally parallel tothe axis of rotation of the first lever arm means, second and thirdlever arm means fixedly coupled to opposite ends of the second shaftmeans, first connecting rod means coupling the first lever arm means tothe second lever arm means, and second connecting rod means coupling thethird lever arm means to the support frame means.

3. A distributor shaker comprising:

a supporting frame having a generally horizontal member;

an elongated base frame generally horizontally disposed and having afirst end thereof pivotably mounted on the horizontal member of thesupporting frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis to permitlateral movement of an opposite second end thereof;

a hopper of partially conical configuration having an elongated chuteextending from one side thereof;

a plurality of pairs of elongated, generally parallel elements extendingbetween and mounting the chute and included hopper on the base framewith the directions of elongation of the chute and base frame generallyparallel, with the hopper disposed over the vertical axis of rotation ofthe base frame, and with a lower open end of the chute disposed over thesecond end of the base frame, the two elongated elements of each pairbeing disposed on the opposite sides of the base frame at a differentlocation along the length thereof and pivotably mounted at one endthereof to the base frame and at the opposite end thereof to the chuteto permit movement of the chute relative to the base frame in thedirection of elongation of the chute;

a first shaft rotatably mounted on the base frame adjacent the first endthereof with the axis thereof generally horizontally disposed andsubstantially normal to the direction of elongation of the base frame;

means coupled to rotatably drive the first shaft;

a first connecting rod having one end thereof coupled to the chute;

eccentric means associated with the first shaft and coupled to the otherend of the first connecting rod for imparting a reciprocating motion tothe first connecting rod in response to rotation of the first shaft todrive the chute through a reciprocating vibratory motion in thedirection of elongation of the chute;

means coupled to the first shaft and including a second shaft mountedfor rotation about a generally vertical axis at a reduced speed inresponse to rotation of the first shaft;

a first lever arm fixedly attached to the second shaft for circularmovement through a generally horizontal plane in response to rotation ofthe second shaft;

a third shaft mounted to the base frame adjacent the first end thereoffor rotation about a generally vertical axis;

second and third lever arms attached to the third shaft at opposite endsthereof for circular movement through generally horizontal planes inresponse to rotation of the third shaft;

a second connecting rod coupled to the first and sec ond lever arms atits opposite ends; and

a third connecting rod coupled at its opposite ends to the third leverarm and to the horizontal member of the supporting frame.

4. A distributor shaker in accordance with claim 9, wherein thesupporting frame comprises a pair of generally vertical members disposedon opposite sides of and mounting the generally horizontal membertherebetween, the vertical members being adapted to be mounted at theirlower ends.

5. A distributor shaker in accordance with claim 9, wherein the meanscoupled to rotatably drive the first shaft comprises a motor andincluded drive pulley mounted on the base frame adjacent the first endthereof, a driven pulley coupled to the first shaft, and an endless beltencircling the drive and driven pulleys, wherein the eccentric meanscomprises an eccentric bearing, and wherein the means including a secondshaft comprises a gear reduction mechanism.

6. For use in a processing arrangement in which partially driedalimentary paste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, adistributor shaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary pasteparticles and depositing the particles on the movable conveyor in athin, uniform layer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receivepartially dried alimentary paste particles and mounted to permit lateralmovement thereof relative to a movable conveyor and longitudinalmovement along the length thereof, a source of rotational power, meanscoupled between the elongated chute means and the power source fordriving the elongated chute means through a reciprocating longitudinalmovement along the length thereof so as to advance alimentary pasteparticles thereon toward an open end thereof, and means coupled betweenthe elongated chute means and the source of rotational power for drivingthe elongated chute means through a reciprocating lateral movementrelative to the movable conveyor to distribute alimentary pasteparticles exiting from the open end of the elongated chute means overthe width of the movable conveyor and including first generally rigidmeans having opposite first and second ends, means coupled between thesource of rotational power and the first end of the first generallyrigid means for causing reciprocating movement of the second end of thefirst generally rigid means in response to the source of rotationalpower and second generally rigid means having opposite first and secondends, the first end being coupled to a fixed reference point outside ofthe distributor shaker and means the second end coupling to the firstrigid means to undergo reciprocating movement in response to thereciprocating movement of the second end of the first generally rigidmeans, the reciprocating movement of the second end of the secondgenerally rigid means driving the elongated chute means through thereciprocating lateral movement relative to the movable conveyor.

7. For use in a processing arrangement in which partially driedalimentary paste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, adistributor shaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary pasteparticles and depositing the particles on the movable conveyor in athin, uniform layer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receivepartially dried alimentary paste particles and mounted to permit lateralmovement thereof ,relative to a movable conveyor and longitudinalmovement along the length thereof, a source of rotational power, meanscoupled between the elongated chute means and the power source fordriving the elongated chute means through a reciprocating longitudinalmovement along the length thereof so as to advance alimentary pasteparticles thereon toward an open end thereof, and means coupled betweenthe elongated chute means and the source of rotational power for drivingthe elongated chute means through a reciprocating lateral movementrelative to the movable conveyor to distribute alimentary pasteparticles exiting from the open end of the elongated chute means overthe width of the movable conveyor and including rotatable means coupledto be rotated by the source of rotational power, pivotably mountedmeans, means coupled between the rotatable means and the pivotablymounted means for causing the pivotably mounted means to undergoreciprocating movement through a circular arc in response to rotation ofthe rotatable means, and means coupled between the pivotably mountedmeans and a fixed reference point outside of the distributor shaker fordriving the elongated chute means through the reciprocating lateralmovement relative to the movable conveyor in response to reciprocatingmovement of the pivotably mounted means through the circular arc.

8. A distributor shaker in accordance with claim 13, wherein the meansfor causing the pivotably mounted means to undergo reciprocatingmovement through a circular arc includes an elongated element havingopposite ends respectively pivotably mounted on the rotatable means andthe pivotably mounted means, and the means for driving the elongatedchute means through the reciprocating lateral movement comprises anelongated element having opposite ends respectively pivotably mounted onthe pivotably mounted means and at the fixed reference point.

.22 UNITED STATES PATIENT OFFICE "CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION P tent3.773.165 Dated flovember 2Q, 1,223

Inventor(s) Wilbert g. Tolles It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Column 8, line 6, for "9" read --3--; line 12, for '9" read --3--; line51, after "means and before "the" insert -coupling-; lin e 52, before"to" strike 'out "coupling". Column 10, line 8, for "13" read --7 Signedand sealed this 16th day 61* April 19714..

(SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents EDWARD M .FLETCHER, JRAttesting Officer

1. For use in a processing arrangement in which partially driedalimentary paste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, adistributor shaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary pasteparticles and depositing the particles on the movable conveyor in athin, uniform layer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receivepartially dried alimentary paste particles, the elongated chute meanssloping gradually downwardly along the length thereof to the open end,being mounted to permit longitudinal movement along the length thereof,and being pivotably mounted about a generally vertical axis adjacent theend thereof opposite the open end to permit reciprocating lateralmovement thereof relative to a movable conveyor, a source of rotationalpower, means coupled between the elongated chute means and the powersource for driving the elongated chute means through a reciprocatinglongitudinal movement along the length thereof so as to advancealimentary paste particles thereon toward an open end thereof, and meanscoupled between the elongated chute means and the source of rotationalpower for driving the elongated chute means thRough a reciprocatinglateral movement relative to the movable conveyor to distributealimentary paste particles exiting from the open end of the elongatedchute means over the width of the movable conveyor, said means fordriving the elongated chute means through a reciprocating lateralmovement including first connecting rod means, means coupled to one endof the first connecting rod means and responsive to the source ofrotational power for driving the one end of the first connecting rodmeans through a circular path of movement, means coupled to the otherend of the first connecting rod means for directing the other endthrough a circular arc of movement relative to a fixed axis with respectto the elongated chute means, second connecting rod means having one endthereof mounted at a fixed reference point outside of the distributorshaker, and means associated with the means for directing and coupled tothe other end of the second connecting rod means for directing the otherend of the second connecting rod means through a circular arc ofmovement relative to the fixed axis in response to movement of the otherend of the first connecting rod means.
 2. A device for dispensing smallfood particles therefrom in generally continuous, uniform fashion,comprising: support frame means; base frame means pivotably mounted onthe support frame means for rotational movement relative thereto;elongated chute means for receiving small food particles to be dispensedtherefrom; means pivotably mounting the elongated chute means to thebase frame means to permit reciprocating, generally linear motion of thechute means relative to the base frame means; shaft means rotatablymounted on the base frame means; means coupled to drive the shaft means;eccentric means associated with the shaft means and coupled to the chutemeans for imparting a reciprocating, generally linear motion to thechute means relative to the base frame means in response to rotation ofthe shaft means; and means coupled between the shaft means and thesupport frame means for imparting a reciprocating, rotational motion tothe base frame means through an arc relative to the support frame meansin response to rotation of the shaft means, said means including firstlever arm means associated with the shaft means for undergoing rotationabout an axis generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the baseframe means in response to rotation of the shaft means, second shaftmeans mounted on the base frame means for rotation about an axisgenerally parallel to the axis of rotation of the first lever arm means,second and third lever arm means fixedly coupled to opposite ends of thesecond shaft means, first connecting rod means coupling the first leverarm means to the second lever arm means, and second connecting rod meanscoupling the third lever arm means to the support frame means.
 3. Adistributor shaker comprising: a supporting frame having a generallyhorizontal member; an elongated base frame generally horizontallydisposed and having a first end thereof pivotably mounted on thehorizontal member of the supporting frame for rotation about a generallyvertical axis to permit lateral movement of an opposite second endthereof; a hopper of partially conical configuration having an elongatedchute extending from one side thereof; a plurality of pairs ofelongated, generally parallel elements extending between and mountingthe chute and included hopper on the base frame with the directions ofelongation of the chute and base frame generally parallel, with thehopper disposed over the vertical axis of rotation of the base frame,and with a lower open end of the chute disposed over the second end ofthe base frame, the two elongated elements of each pair being disposedon the opposite sides of the base frame at a different location alongthe length thereof and pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the baseframe and at the opposite end thereof to the chute to permIt movement ofthe chute relative to the base frame in the direction of elongation ofthe chute; a first shaft rotatably mounted on the base frame adjacentthe first end thereof with the axis thereof generally horizontallydisposed and substantially normal to the direction of elongation of thebase frame; means coupled to rotatably drive the first shaft; a firstconnecting rod having one end thereof coupled to the chute; eccentricmeans associated with the first shaft and coupled to the other end ofthe first connecting rod for imparting a reciprocating motion to thefirst connecting rod in response to rotation of the first shaft to drivethe chute through a reciprocating vibratory motion in the direction ofelongation of the chute; means coupled to the first shaft and includinga second shaft mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis at areduced speed in response to rotation of the first shaft; a first leverarm fixedly attached to the second shaft for circular movement through agenerally horizontal plane in response to rotation of the second shaft;a third shaft mounted to the base frame adjacent the first end thereoffor rotation about a generally vertical axis; second and third leverarms attached to the third shaft at opposite ends thereof for circularmovement through generally horizontal planes in response to rotation ofthe third shaft; a second connecting rod coupled to the first and secondlever arms at its opposite ends; and a third connecting rod coupled atits opposite ends to the third lever arm and to the horizontal member ofthe supporting frame.
 4. A distributor shaker in accordance with claim9, wherein the supporting frame comprises a pair of generally verticalmembers disposed on opposite sides of and mounting the generallyhorizontal member therebetween, the vertical members being adapted to bemounted at their lower ends.
 5. A distributor shaker in accordance withclaim 9, wherein the means coupled to rotatably drive the first shaftcomprises a motor and included drive pulley mounted on the base frameadjacent the first end thereof, a driven pulley coupled to the firstshaft, and an endless belt encircling the drive and driven pulleys,wherein the eccentric means comprises an eccentric bearing, and whereinthe means including a second shaft comprises a gear reduction mechanism.6. For use in a processing arrangement in which partially driedalimentary paste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, adistributor shaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary pasteparticles and depositing the particles on the movable conveyor in athin, uniform layer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receivepartially dried alimentary paste particles and mounted to permit lateralmovement thereof relative to a movable conveyor and longitudinalmovement along the length thereof, a source of rotational power, meanscoupled between the elongated chute means and the power source fordriving the elongated chute means through a reciprocating longitudinalmovement along the length thereof so as to advance alimentary pasteparticles thereon toward an open end thereof, and means coupled betweenthe elongated chute means and the source of rotational power for drivingthe elongated chute means through a reciprocating lateral movementrelative to the movable conveyor to distribute alimentary pasteparticles exiting from the open end of the elongated chute means overthe width of the movable conveyor and including first generally rigidmeans having opposite first and second ends, means coupled between thesource of rotational power and the first end of the first generallyrigid means for causing reciprocating movement of the second end of thefirst generally rigid means in response to the source of rotationalpower and second generally rigid means having opposite first and secondends, the first end being coupled to a fixed reference point outside ofthe distributor shaker and means the seconD end coupling to the firstrigid means to undergo reciprocating movement in response to thereciprocating movement of the second end of the first generally rigidmeans, the reciprocating movement of the second end of the secondgenerally rigid means driving the elongated chute means through thereciprocating lateral movement relative to the movable conveyor.
 7. Foruse in a processing arrangement in which partially dried alimentarypaste particles are deposited on a movable conveyor, a distributorshaker for receiving the partially dried alimentary paste particles anddepositing the particles on the movable conveyor in a thin, uniformlayer comprising elongated chute means adapted to receive partiallydried alimentary paste particles and mounted to permit lateral movementthereof relative to a movable conveyor and longitudinal movement alongthe length thereof, a source of rotational power, means coupled betweenthe elongated chute means and the power source for driving the elongatedchute means through a reciprocating longitudinal movement along thelength thereof so as to advance alimentary paste particles thereontoward an open end thereof, and means coupled between the elongatedchute means and the source of rotational power for driving the elongatedchute means through a reciprocating lateral movement relative to themovable conveyor to distribute alimentary paste particles exiting fromthe open end of the elongated chute means over the width of the movableconveyor and including rotatable means coupled to be rotated by thesource of rotational power, pivotably mounted means, means coupledbetween the rotatable means and the pivotably mounted means for causingthe pivotably mounted means to undergo reciprocating movement through acircular arc in response to rotation of the rotatable means, and meanscoupled between the pivotably mounted means and a fixed reference pointoutside of the distributor shaker for driving the elongated chute meansthrough the reciprocating lateral movement relative to the movableconveyor in response to reciprocating movement of the pivotably mountedmeans through the circular arc.
 8. A distributor shaker in accordancewith claim 13, wherein the means for causing the pivotably mounted meansto undergo reciprocating movement through a circular arc includes anelongated element having opposite ends respectively pivotably mounted onthe rotatable means and the pivotably mounted means, and the means fordriving the elongated chute means through the reciprocating lateralmovement comprises an elongated element having opposite endsrespectively pivotably mounted on the pivotably mounted means and at thefixed reference point.